VS
Vanguard Canadian Ultra-Short Government Bond Index ETF (VVSG) and iShares Canadian Government Bond Index ETF (XGB) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that VVSG focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Sovereign, while XGB leans towards Sovereign, Municipal, and Government Agencies. When evaluating costs, VVSG features a management fee (MER) of 0.1%, compared to 0.12% for XGB. Performance-wise, VVSG has returned 1.89% year-to-date with +$103 M in net flows, whereas XGB is at 0.72% with -$212 M. Use the comparison tool below to benchmark these funds across top 10 holdings, yield, sector weights and historical returns.
NAV Performance and Flows
Key Data
Compare
VVSG
XGB
| AuM | $252.96 M | $1,594.13 M |
| Management Fees | 0.10% | 0.12% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.12% | 0.13% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.13% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of October 19, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VVSG | +0.17% | +0.50% | +1.89% | +2.34% | - |
XGB | -0.48% | -1.66% | -0.72% | -2.14% | +14.00% | |
| Flows | VVSG | +$11 M | +$33 M | +$103 M | +$171 M | - |
XGB | -$65 M | -$36 M | -$212 M | -$119 M | +$681 M |
VVSG vs XGB exposure
Countries
VVSG
Canada
100.00%
XGB
Canada
99.18%
Sectors
VVSG
Sovereign
100.00%
XGB
Sovereign
44.40%
Municipal
38.41%
Government Agencies
9.61%
Other
7.58%
As of October 19, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
VVSG
Canada, Bonds 2.5% 1aug2027, CAD
8.25%
Canada, Bills 0% 21oct2026, CAD (182D)
7.99%
Canada, Bills 0% 4nov2026, CAD (364D)
7.70%
Canada, Bills 0% 18nov2026, CAD (182D)
7.47%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1may2027, CAD
6.54%
Canada, Bills 0% 7oct2026, CAD (364D)
6.47%
Canada, Bills 0% 2dec2026, CAD (364D)
6.01%
Canada, Bonds 3% 1feb2027, CAD
5.58%
Canada, Bonds 1.25% 1mar2027, CAD
3.99%
Canada, Bills 0% 19may2027, CAD (364D)
3.44%
XGB
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1sep2030, CAD
2.01%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2036, CAD
2.00%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2031, CAD
1.99%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1dec2035, CAD
1.98%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD
1.81%
Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD
1.57%
Canada, Bonds 3% 1sep2031, CAD
1.55%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2030, CAD
1.55%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1sep2029, CAD
1.51%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1dec2057, CAD
1.50%
Diversification
VVSG
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 24 total
63.43%
XGB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 550 total
17.48%
Characteristics
Compare
VVSG
XGB
| Provider | Vanguard | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Bloomberg Canadian Short Treasury 1-12m Float Adjusted Index - CAD | FTSE Canada All Government Bond TR Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 2.48% | 3.23% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | September 9, 2024 | November 6, 2006 |
Frequently asked questions about VVSG and XGB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VVSG or XGB?
As of October 19, 2026, VVSG has returned 1.89% year to date, while XGB has returned -0.72%. VVSG is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VVSG or XGB?
As of October 19, 2026, VVSG manages $252.96 M in assets, while XGB manages $1.59 B. XGB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VVSG and XGB managed?
VVSG is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg Canadian Short Treasury 1-12m Float Adjusted Index - CAD benchmark. XGB is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the FTSE Canada All Government Bond TR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VVSG and XGB emphasize?
VVSG is most exposed to Sovereign. XGB is most exposed to Sovereign, Municipal, and Government Agencies.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VVSG or XGB?
Year to date, VVSG has seen +$103.19 M in net flows, compared with -$212.49 M for XGB. VVSG has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VVSG and XGB compare?
VVSG has an expense ratio of 0.12%, while XGB has an expense ratio of 0.13%.
What are the top holdings of VVSG and XGB?
VVSG's largest holdings include Canada, Bonds 2.5% 1aug2027, CAD, Canada, Bills 0% 21oct2026, CAD (182D), and Canada, Bills 0% 4nov2026, CAD (364D). XGB's top holdings include Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1sep2030, CAD, Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2036, CAD, and Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2031, CAD.
Which ETF is more diversified: VVSG or XGB?
VVSG holds 24 securities, while XGB holds 549. On holdings count, XGB is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VVSG and XGB
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